Inspired by the temporary shuttering of Powells Books in Portland, Oregon, City of Books explores a bibliophiles fantasy: moving into a bookstore to stop it from closing.

Jo Waterstone knows what you should read next. Shes honed the skill of sizing up a person and recommending their next book in the decades shes worked at Bruebakers Books. Her life has been shaped by the store, the bustle of customers exploring the stacks, and managing the eager staff. She can honestly say its the best job shes ever had.

Then the stores elderly owner, Mr. Bruebaker, suffers a stroke, and just like that Jos perfect job is on the chopping block. Mr. Bs daughters and the bookstores icy CEO think the time is right to close for good, and they order Jo to lock up. But she doesnt know what she would be without Bruebakersand besides, the place is an institution. So instead of following orders, she decides to take a stand: along with a few brave team members, she barricades herself in the store, trying to buy time until Mr. Bruebaker recovers and can speak for himself.

Living in a bookstore has a certain magic to it, but the quiet hours among the books throw the choices Jo has made in her life into sharp relief. As supporters (and detractors) start to voice their opinions about her actions, Jo will have to decide what, exactly, is worth saving.